First line supervisor's certificate

Supervisors at mining projects (including exploration), are required to hold a First Line Supervisor’s Certificate, as stated in the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, section 15.11, Surface and Underground Mines or Projects.

Workplace hazards in the mining industry are unique and have the potential for catastrophic consequences if safe work procedures and processes are not followed.

The First Line Supervisor’s Certificate shows that the person:

  • Knows how to comply with applicable health and safety legislation;

  • Consistently applies appropriate operating procedures; and

  • Demonstrates a level of performance that meets industry standards.

Section 15.11 applies to all underground mine and diamond drilling operations and to surface mining operations or projects (including exploration) where there are 12 or more workers employed or where the Director of Workplace Health and Safety considers it necessary, regardless of the number of workers.

Getting a First Line Supervisor’s Certificate

To obtain a First Line Supervisor’s Certificate:

  1. Contact the Centre of Northern Innovation in Mining at Yukon University to review the prerequisites and register for the online course offered by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).

  2. Successfully complete all six modules of the CCOHS online course.

  3. Print your Certificate of Completion and the Performance Demonstration Checklists from the CCOHS website.

  4. Complete the Performance Demonstration Checklists within six months of completing the online course. During this six-month period you can arrange with your employer to work as a provisional first line supervisor, but you must first be approved to do so by us. We require the following documentation:

    • A copy of your Certificate of Completion for the CCOHS course.

    • A copy of your valid Standard First Aid with CPR Certificate.

    • A letter informing us that you will be working as a provisional first line supervisor for a period of up to six months and specifying the start and end dates of this period.

  5. Submit these documents to us. See Contact us.

  6. When you and your employer have completed all of the Performance Demonstration Checklists, you can apply for your permanent First Line Supervisor’s Certificate as follows:

    • Fill out the Application for Yukon First Line Supervisor’s Certificate to us. The certificate must be signed by the mine manager or contract manager.

    • Submit the following to us.

      • The completed and signed Application for Yukon First Line Supervisor’s Certificate.

      • The completed Performance Demonstration Checklists.

      • A copy of the Certificate of Completion for the CCOHS online course if not previously submitted.

      • A copy of your valid Standard First Aid with CPR Certificate if not previously submitted.

  7. When we have reviewed and approved your application documents, you will be authorized to take a final online examination at Centre of Northern Innovation in Mining at Yukon University. You must obtain 80% to pass.

  8. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your permanent certificate and your photo will be taken for your identification card.

First Line Supervisor’s Certificate from other jurisdictions

If you have a First Line Supervisor’s Certificate from another jurisdiction, you must re-certify in Yukon by following the steps above.